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Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

Tweed jackets and waistcoats aren't normal tropical attire, but more than 250 bikers will don their Sunday best to participate in an international fundraiser for men’s health.

By Tamara Howie

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) takes place globally on September 30, but Darwin’s dapper dudes and dudettes will be doing the ride a week later so they can still enjoy the AFL and NRL grand finals.

Dan Leather has been involved with the ride for four years as an excuse to get out on his bike, but along the way he’s learned more about the causes the ride supports – prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

“To be honest, it wasn’t due to the cause (that I got involved) but more of an excuse to get out on one of my old bikes, a 1950 Panther M100, Cleckheaton – Yorkshire’s finest motorcycle,” Leather says.

“It’s only now that I’ve been involved that I’ve become aware of the issues and challenges in the fields of men’s health.

“Us blokes will make all the effort to service and keep our toys in good condition, but when it comes to our own health – going in to a doctor when things just don’t seem right – we can be a bit slack.”

Since its inception in 2012 the DGR has raised more than $13 million for men’s health programs globally. Leather says riders in Darwin get into the spirit of the event and scrub up well.

“We acknowledge that Darwin is a bit different and the blokes are likely more scallywags than gentlemen,” Leather says.

“But it seems that Darwin folk still like to dress sharp.

“We’ve had comments from some blokes who never even wore a suit on their wedding day – or ever – but wouldn’t be seen dead not wearing one for this event.”

Registrations are open until the day of the event with the route a closely guarded secret until riders are signed up.

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